Monday, November 8, 2010

Bob seemed like he was getting a little cough, so I kept him home from school to see if some rest would help. Around midnight I found out that it did not.

He woke up with that tell-tale croup seal bark. The wheezing in-between the barking was extraordinary and much worse than the other time Bob had crouped it up a year ago. He was having a hard time getting his breath and no amount of vaporized air, steamy bathroom or standing in front of the open freezer was helping. We packed it up and headed to the Emergency Room.

When we got to the ER, the cold night air had slowed down Bob's barking but his wheezing continued. Bob slept on my lap as Jeff and I sat on the hard plastic chairs in the waiting room. There was a John Cusack/Oliver Platt movie playing on the TV overhead. Jeff filled out forms while I kissed Bob's damp forehead.

We were ushered in to one room for a chest x-ray for Bob and another to wait to meet a doctor. The doctor was gentle and kind to the sleepy patient and his patient's worried parents. Bob was very subdued but answered the doctors questions and informed him that he was feeling, "very not so better."

The doctor confirmed that indeed, Bob did have croup and in addition he also had an upper respiratory infection. As we waited for the nurse to come with a prescription, Bob rested his head in my lap.

"You've done a great job Bob. You've been very brave."

"You must be really tired, buddy, said Jeff.

"I am tired. Mom? What time is it?"

"It's 2:40 in the morning."

Bob shot up, his eyes huge. "Wow! Really? Wow! That's late! I am up so late! Have I ever been up this late? It is really late outside! Wow!" He was impressed.

We had a very similar night with Eli years ago. You captured it perfectly here. And I am so, so glad sweet Bob had some energy in reserve to be so impressed he was up so late (and rightfully impressed).

I love how excited he gets from staying up late, i wish that could still be excitement for me. now the exciting, amazing thing would be if i got any sleep at all. I also like how bob words his sentences--- "very not so better." That's one way to put it Bob. You should honestly have a show with that kid on it, it would make loads of money and entertainment since there isnt anything good on tv anymore

So very sorry Bob is under the weather. I really hope he feels much better soon. At least it looks like he sacked out with a good friend. My brother and sister-in-law's yellow Lab used to sleep across the door of the nursery. When my oldest niece was a baby, the dog followed her to keep an eye on her, even if her mom or dad had her. When they tried to let her cry so she would soothe herself and go back to sleep, the dog would come in, grab their pajamas, and drag them out of bed to take care of her. Looks like Bob's got "guard[ian] dog" of his own.

Poor dude. Um, Jedi. Get better! I hate ERs with little ones. Well, I guess I just hate ERs. Not HATE them hate them, because sometimes you need them, and then I don't hate them at all. Does that make sense?